All things tech about West Des Moines Schools, Iowa

Banned Technologies in Iowa – Student Cell Phone Policies

For the past 3 years, we’ve conducted a survey regarding typical “Banned” technologies (http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/CW93MWC) among Iowa K-12 school districts. We typically inquire about policies involving cell phones, personal wi-fi devices, and web filtering. The full results of the survey were included in “Banned Technologies in Iowa”, a session held at the 2011 ITEC conference on Oct 17th in Des Moines, which are available at: http://goo.gl/GevCO.

The results of the survey are available at: http://wp.me/p1JF02-51 Results indicate that only 17% of the schools still have a complete ban on student cell phones, as compared to previous years when 29% of school had complete bans on student cell phones.

Below are the example cell phone policies that were submitted by various Iowa school districts.

Example #1:
iPods, MP3 players, and/or other music devices may be used at an appropriate volume in the classrooms at teacher/supervisor discretion. The following cell phone policy will be on a trial basis for the first quarter of the school year. At the end of the first quarter the administration will review how the implementation of the policy has gone and determine if students will continue to be allowed to use their cell phones in a manner as described below. Students will be allowed to use cell phones during non-instructional times only. This includes before and after school, passing times and lunch. Students cannot use their cell phones in the hallways if there are classes in-session nor in the restrooms and locker rooms at any time. Cell-phones in the classrooms and study hall are strictly prohibited unless under specific directions from the teacher. Consequences will be assigned according to the following: If the device is turned on and the phone is being used or makes noise: • First offense: The student’s parent or guardian will be required to pick up the phone from the office. • Second offense: A Saturday School will be assigned and the parents are required to pick up the phone from the office. Subsequent offenses for both will be determined by the administration. Students may carry electronic devices on school shuttles, school sponsored trips, and/or activity trips. These devices are to remain off, unless permission is obtained from the supervisor, sponsor, or coach.

Example #2:
Cell phones are not to be used by students in the classroom. They may, however, be used in the hallways when the music is on and in the lunch room during lunch time. Any device that has photo capabili ty is not allowed in the locker rooms or restrooms. Students who are caught taking pictures will be disciplined and possible law enfor cement will be called. Students should give the phone to a teacher or coach if they need to be in these areas. 1st offense – phone/device taken – 30 minute detention with office, student can pick up phone/device after the detention is served, parent called 2nd offense – phone/device taken – 1 day in school suspension – parent called – parent picks up phone/device 3rd offense – phone/device taken – 3 day out of school suspension – parent called – parent picks up phone/device 4th offense – phone/device taken – 5 day out of school suspension – parent called – parent picks up phone/device 5th offense – phone/device taken – 10 day out of school suspension with the recommendation to school board for expulsion – parent called – parent picks up phone/device A serious offense may result in the administration recommending a more serious consequences.

Example #3:
ELECTRONIC DEVICES The Board believes that electronic communication devices, including, but not limited to, beepers, pagers and cellular phones, can cause disruption to the school environment and interfere with student learning. Students will not be allowed to bring beepers, pagers, two-way radios, or cellular phones into classrooms. Any such devices brought into the building must be stored in a student locker and shut off. Any exceptions to the above must have the prior approval of the administration. Cell phones, with picture taking capabilities, cameras, or recording devices are strictly prohibited in a restroom or locker room. If they are found in those areas, they will be confiscated and turned into the office. The parents/guardians will have to pick the item up and violators may be suspended and prosecuted. Parents/guardians of students found to be in violation of this policy will be notified and the items confiscated. The first time an item is confiscated, it will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. An item confiscated for a second or subsequent time must be picked up by the student’s parent/guardian. Students may be subject to disciplinary action, including suspension.

Example #4:
Cell phone use. Students may have cell phones in their possession during school hours, under the following conditions: a. Thecellphonemustbeturned“off”,oron“silent”andoutofsightatalltimes in a purse, back pack, locker, or pocket. b. Thecellphonemaybeusedduringthestudentʼslunchperiod,orwiththe express permission of a faculty member or administrator. c. Cellphoneuseisabsolutelyprohibitedinlockerroomsandrestrooms. d. Consequencesforinappropriateuseofthecellphonewillresultin confiscation and possible prosecution. Parents may be required to come to the school to pick up confiscated cell phones. 10 e. Thirdoffenseofviolationofpolicymayrequirethecellphonetobecheckedin with the principal or his/her designee and picked up at the end of the school day. f. Exceptions to the policy may be granted by the principal.

EXAMPLE #5:
MOBILE DEVICE RESPECTABLE USE POLICY————————————————— Use of mobile devices (cell phones and other electronic communication devices) must demonstrate respect and responsibility on the part of the user at all times. Students are permitted to use mobile devices, including cell phones, in the hall between classes. Students may have silenced mobile devices on their person. The use of communication features during class/study hall is prohibited. Mobile electronics may not disrupt worship, education, or school activities. Teachers may require that cell phones be off and in view during their class period. Each teacher has the right to permit the use of mobile devices for specific instructional activities. Alternate means will be provided for students who do not have access to a mobile device. Mobile devices may not be used to record (audio, still picture, or video) at any time without the express permission of the party or parties involved. The appearance and/or use of mobile devices is prohibited in our school locker rooms or restrooms at any time. If a student uses a mobile device to text or talk during class, the device will be brought to the office. The student will be required to pay a บ fine to have the device returned to him/her. A second offense will result in the device being held for up to 24-72 hours.

EXAMPLE #6:
To some it up in a few words, student’s can use them during lunch, in between classes, and in classes that teachers allow them. Otherwise, no usage in class.

EXAMPLE #7:
Cellular phones, pagers, etc. should be turned off during school hours and are not to be used in classrooms, halls, study hall, bathrooms, locker rooms, or cafeteria. Cell phones used in prohibited areas will be confiscated. Students may check cell phones at their lockers between classes. 1st offense: Cell phone held until end of school day. 2nd offense: Cell phone held until end of next school day. 3rd or greater offense: Detention assigned. Cell phone held until end of next school day and/or until detention served. Misconduct Report may be given.

EXAMPLE #8:
Electronic Devices Electronic devices such as games, radios, televisions, tape or CD players, beepers, laser pointers, and cellular phones cause a disruption to the school day and are not to be in use during the school day (8:15 – 3:15 p.m.) Students who use these devices during the school day will have the device taken from them and returned at a later time. The following discipline procedure will be followed: ALL TEACHERS WILL HANDLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE VIOLATIONS WITHIN THEIR CLASSROOMS. HALLWAY USAGE MAY BE REPORTED TO THE OFFICE.

EXAMPLE #9:
Cell phones are to be turned off and stored in their lockers. They can only use it during the day if office ok’s it. Any violation and phone is taken away.

EXAMPLE #10:
POSSESSION OF PORTABLE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT Students are extended the privilege of possessing electronic devices on school grounds; however, their use is limited to non-school days or after 2:55 p.m. on school days. Whenever school is in session, whether or not you have a class, cell phones may not be used. These devices must be in the off position, neither visible, nor used between 7:55 a.m. – 2:55 p.m. and/or the end of the school day. This rule is also in effect after school and on non-school days where a quiet atmosphere is necessary such as detention, FNS, Night School, Testing, Library, Resource Centers, Computer Labs, performances, etc. 1. Failure to follow the above procedures will result in the following consequences. Consequences Incident School Action a) First Incident Temporary Confiscation of device until end of day and taken to office picked up at end of day. b) Second Incident Temporary Confiscation of device until end of day and taken to office. Parent has to pick up phone.

Example #10:
Electronic devices are a part of everyday life and modern culture. However, items such as cell phones, pagers, radios, CD players, MP3 players, and iPods, etc. can become disruptive in an educational setting. Electronic devices must: 1. Be kept out of plain view (in a locker, car, bag, pocket, etc.) during the instructional day. 2. Remain in the “off” position during the instructional school day. 3. Not be used in a way that will cause a disruption to the instructional process.  Teachers have the right to restrict electronic devices from their classroom and may confiscate the items if they become disruptive. Confiscated items will be turned into the office. Disciplinary sanctions may be imposed based on the circumstances of the situation.  All cell phones, cameras, and other recording devices are strictly prohibited at any time in a locker room or restroom.  The school is not responsible for loss, damage, or theft of any electronic device brought to school.

EXAMPLE #11:
Cell Phone Policy (Grades 7/8) • Mobile device use must show respect and responsibility at all times. • Students are not permitted to use cell phones in the hallway between classes. • Students must have their mobile devices silenced. The use of communication features during class is prohibited. Mobile electronics may not disrupt worship, education, or school activities. Teachers may request mobile devices to be turned off and in view. • Each teacher has the right to allow the use of mobile devices for specific instructional activities. (Alternative means will be provided for students without mobile device access.) • Students may not make recordings (audio or video) without specific permission. No phones/electronic devices may be used in bathrooms or locker rooms. Violation Consequences 1. Taken into office for 24 hour period (if Friday for weekend) 2. A behavioral detention and kept for week 3. A behavioral detention and must be picked by parent and student in the office. Student will not be allowed to have device at school for remainder of school year.

EXAMPLE #12:
CELL PHONES POLICY: STUDENT USE OF REMOTELY ACTIVATED COMMUNICATION DEVICES, PAGERS, CELLULAR TELEPHONES AND OTHER DEVICES The Lawton-Bronson Board recognizes the need to provide access to technological resources. For the purposes of this policy, “Remotely activated, or Activating Communication Devices” are defined to include portable two-way telecommunications devices, including but not limited to cellular telephones with or without cameras, beepers, walkie talkies, other hand-held computing devices used as a communication device, any portable electronic device capable of storing and; transmitting or receiving images, such as cameras, as well as any new technology developed for similar purposes. The Lawton-Bronson Board of Education extends to students the privilege to possess, display and use “Remotely Activated or Activating Communication Devices” before and after the instructional day provided such “Remotely Activated or Activating Communication Devices” are not displayed, activated or used inside school buildings during the instructional day. All such devices must be turned off and in a locker, back pack or similar enclosure during the instructional day. The instructional day includes, but is not limited to lunch breaks, class changes, study halls and any other structured or non-structured instructional activity that occurs during the normal school day as well as extra-curricular activities or after school activities. Exceptions will be made for students with specific needs that require such devices as per their IEP. The school district will not be responsible for loss, damage, destruction, or the theft of any electronic device brought to school.

EXAMPLE #13:
Electronic devices, including but not limited to cell phones, IPods, computer games, and laser pointers, may not be displayed or used in the classroom during school hours. Students may text between periods or during Supervised Free. A student found to be in violation of this policy will have their devices confiscated with the following consequences and a log kept of the infractions: 1. 1st Offense: Phone turned into the office with a parent call made. 2. 2nd Offense: Parent must come and get phone. 3. 3rd Offense: Student must turn in phone at beginning of school day for two weeks. To be extended if they are an habitual offender. A student found using any electronic device for pornography or “sexting” will be in violation of school policy and may be subject to legal as well as school discipline. Students may use a music player or IPod, with headphones during Supervised Free. Students may not wear headphones on their heads or around their necks through the day.

EXAMPLE #14.
Interferences in School- Students may not use radios, televisions, cassette players (Walkmans), cell phones, iPods, mp3 players, portable game players, pagers, water guns, toys, laser pointers, and other similar items during regular school hours, as these cause distractions to learning. Certain devices may be used with teacher permission for educational purposes. The items will be taken away from the students and may be returned at a later date or returned to the parent. Consequences will be assigned by the principal according to the handbook discipline policy.

EXAMPLE #15:
Cell phone use is prohibited during class time. Use is interpreted as using any cell phone function or feature, not just sending and receiving of calls or text messages. Students may NOT get a pass out of class to use their cell phone. All cell phones will be turned off and placed in a container on the teacher’s desk upon entering the classroom. Cell phone use will be permitted during passing time, resource room (no calling), and lunch, although all cell phones must be on silent mode only. Students who choose to inappropriately use or choose not to place their phones on the teacher’s desk will be referred for insubordination and the following disciplinary will occur. First offense: Cell phone confiscated, detention assigned, cell phone returned when detention is served. Second offense: Cell phone confiscated, released only to a parent, detention issued, loss of privilege for 2 weeks. Third offense: One day in school suspension, loss of privilege for the rest of the school year. Any inappropriate use of cell phones, including but not limited to, inappropriate photographs, inappropriate text messages, and recording/video taping will result in confiscation of the phone; further consequences include possible police referral. Obviously, usage in bathrooms and locker rooms is prohibited, as per Board of Education policy. Students bring these devices at their own risk. Glidden-Ralston Community School, its faculty and staff are NOT responsible for any damaged, missing, or stolen cell phones or I Pod/MP 3 players. If a student has a cell phone or I Pod/ MP 3 player and it is damaged or stolen, the school will NOT utilize administrative time to investigate the incident, nor will the district take any financial responsibility for the I Pod/ MP 3 player, cell phone or cell phone charges.

Electronic Devices: A policy has been established by the board with the intent of teaching students appropriate use of technological devices pervasive in our current society. While the board does not want to ban their use, the school staff will expect students to use them responsibly in a manner that will not detract from the educational environment they are attempting to maintain. The use of electronic communication or entertainment devices including but not limited to cellular phones, iPods, mp3 devices, PDAs and even portable computers are limited to either educational use or non-instructional time during the school day. This is defined as before school, during passing time, during the assigned lunch period and after school. We strongly encourage parents NOT to call or text students during the school day. Cameras or cellular phones with camera features are not to be taken into restrooms or locker rooms. Nor should they be used to record individuals throughout the building without the permission of those whose image may be captured on these devices. Music devices may also be used before and after school as well as during lunch. Any other use of music players will be at the teacher’s discretion. Students who do not adhere to teacher expectations in the classroom will be asked to relinquish their devices or be removed from class. Disciplinary action may be taken including, but not limited to, suspension from school. NOTE: All personal items are the students’ responsibility. The school will not accept responsibility for the loss or theft of these items.

EXAMPLE #17: Personal property including, but not limited to, lasers, radios, recorders, CD, iPods, MP3 and tape players, pagers, cell phones, and electronic games, etc., are to be turned off and not used during the school day (8:30-3:25). Violation of this rule will result in disciplinary action and confiscation of the item(s). Confiscated items will be returned to the owner at the end of the day, provided there are not concerns with the contents of the items. On a second violation, the item(s) will be confiscated and returned only to parents. ***Note***Ipods and MP3 players may be used in study hall at the discretion of the teacher. Cell phones and Ipods may be used at lunch but must remain in the lunch room at all times.

EXAMPLE #18:
The telephone in the Principal’s Office may be used in some circumstances. Students who misuse the telephone will suffer disciplinary consequences. Dialing 911 is one such misuse of the telephone if no emergency exists. Parents are requested, if at all possible, not to have students called from classes to accept telephone calls. Parents who must call for high school students should call 641-394-2144, the principal’s office. If it is not necessary for a parent to converse directly with the student, a message can be left with the principal’s office and it will be delivered to the student. Student use of a cellular telephone or handheld device is limited to time before classes begin, during passing time, during lunch and after school. Students are to have phones on silent or off during class time and they are not to be placed where they can be deemed a disruption in class. Students may only use such devices in class as instructed by the teacher. Inappropriate use is subject to confiscation. Video & Picture capable Cellular Telephones are not permissible in locker rooms or rest rooms at any time. Cell Phones or other inappropriate technology devices confiscated: 1st Offense: Demerit, device returned at the end of the day, and parent notification. 2nd and subsequent Offenses: Item may be picked up from the Principal only by a parent the following day of school. Acceptable and Restricted Uses: Student use of electronic paging or two-way communication devices (e.g. beepers/cellular phones) during class is prohibited, except as specifically authorized by the building principal. Any student found violating this policy shall be disciplined accordingly. CONSEQUENCES of Violations:

EXAMPLE #19:
Students may possess iPods and other electronic devises that can be used during school lunch time. Cell phones may be used, by high school students, during passing times between periods and the school lunch time. Cell phone usage is a privilege and should not be taken advantage of (ie. going to the restroom to use phone and/or being late to class) by the student. Students who violate the cell phone policy will have their phone confiscated, turned into the office and adhere to the violations below. Cell Phone Penalties: (Does not start over at semester) 1st offense – Detention (30 minutes) 2nd offense – Detention (30 minutes; parent/guardian must reclaim phone) 3rd offense – 1 day in school suspension 4th offense – Principal’s discretion Cell phones, with picture taking capabilities, cameras, or recording devices are strictly prohibited in restrooms or locker rooms. Students and parents are cautioned that any type of cyberbullying and sexting could lead to loss of cell phone privilege. If they are found in those areas, they will be confiscated and turned into the office. The parents will have to pick the item up and violators may be suspended and prosecuted. Cell phones will be confiscated and turned into the office

EXAMPLE #20:
Cell Phone and Handheld Technological Devices The Audubon Community Schools extends to students the privilege to possess, display and use Handheld Technology Devices. The district understands that these tools are an important part of the daily lives of our students. The following policy is to insure that these tools are used appropriately and courteously. Handheld Technology Devices may be used during passing time between classes, during meal times, and before and after school. Handheld Technology Devices may be used during class time as deemed prudent by the classroom teacher. Classroom teachers may not grant permission to use Handheld Technology Devices to communicate with students outside of the teacher’s class. Exceptions will be made for students with specific needs that require such devices under a 504 plan pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; as per their Individualized Education Program “IEP”; and during a medical or security emergency, if a supervision school official is not in communication with emergency responders, or the student is unaware that a supervision school official is in communication with emergency responders. Cell phones with cameras and other portable Handheld Technology Devices capable of storing and/or transmitting and/or receiving images are banned from use for any purpose in locker rooms and restrooms at all times. Students will be disciplined for any use of Handheld Technology Devices in school locker rooms or restrooms. At no time are students or visitors authorized to video capture, photograph, or audio record others in the school building, on school property (to include school vehicles), or at school activities (unless recording a public performance, such as a game, honor assembly, concert, contest, etc.) without consent of a teacher, coach, or school administrator. The school district will not be responsible for financial charges relating to student Handheld Technology Devices at any time, to include during times of confiscation. Student use of personal Handheld Technology Devices for permitted educational purposes or to communicate with school staff or other students is optional. The school district will not be responsible for loss, damage, destruction, or theft of any electronic device brought to school.

EXAMPLE #21:

Cellular Phones/Beepers/Pagers/Gameboys/Other Electronic Devices Not Listed: Any of these items should not be brought to the school for use or entertainment. Cellular phones may be used in the office with proper permission. If you are using these devices on school grounds during the normal school hours (8:25 to 3:30) the item or items may be confiscated from you. On the first offense the student will have the device taken away and the student will need to come to the principal at the end of the day for its return. On the second offense the item will be confiscated and a parent or guardian will need to come to the principal for its return. On the third offense the student will have the item confiscated and a parent or guardian again will need to come to the principal for its return and the student will face disciplinary action including possible suspension. Any subsequent violation after the third offense will result in additional disciplinary action and confiscation. The school assumes no responsibility if these items are lost or stolen.

EXAMPLE #22:
Cell Phones Because Ames High places a very high value on instructional time, students may not use their cell phone for any reason during class time. Phones must be put away and turned OFF during class. Students may use their phones ONLY during passing time and lunch. This rule applies to all areas of the school including study hall and the media center. If students use their cell phone during class time, they will be expected to surrender the cell phone to the staff member and the phone will be brought to the office. Students may pick up cell phone at the end of the day and consequences will be assigned.

EXAMPLE #23:
Urbandale High School has a flexible approach to the use of cell phones and electronic equipment. Students are allowed to utilize cell phones and other electronic equipment before and after school, during passing time and during their lunch period. UHS reserves the right to protect instructional time from interruptions caused by cell phones and electronic devices; this includes in hallways, restrooms, and other parts of the building when a student is expected to be one of his/her classes. Violation of the electronic device policy could result in a student being asked to turn over his/her device to an adult. The offense will be treated as Interfering with Teaching and Learning as defined in the code of conduct. In addition, the adult will turn the cell phone/electronic device over to the office and the student can pick it up at the end of the day. Subsequent offenses of the cell phone/electronic device policy will require the student to have a parent come to school to pick up the cell phone or electronic device. A students’ refusal to turn over a cell phone or electronic device will count as an immediate second offense of Interfering with Teaching and Learning and the student could be subject to the consequences outlined in the handbook for a 2nd offense of Interfering with Teaching and Learning.